People say you should be open-minded — accepting of people from diverse backgrounds, listening without judging, and considering all sides of an issue. Even though that’s sensible in theory, some folks find it difficult in practice. That’s troubling because having an open mind is not only the right thing to do, it’s beneficial in ways you’ve never imagined.
If being open-minded is so advantageous, why doesn’t everyone subscribe to it? Being closed-minded may be a habit in which people are uninterested, misinformed, and dismissive of fresh viewpoints; other times, being closed-minded may be the result of an entrenched mindset of intolerance or prejudice. Are you closed-minded or open-minded?
You May Not Be As Open-Minded As You Think
Some people are so closed-minded that they can’t see the forest OR the trees. Keep an open mind as you review this list.
Do you:
• Make up your mind before you start?
• Surround yourself with like-minded people?
• Discount or ignore opposing viewpoints?
• Feel you’re too old to learn anything new?
• Make decisions without input?
• Subscribe to a “we’ve always done it this way” mentality?
• Spend more time talking than listening?
• Use language or jargon that isolates you from others?
• Request feedback from only a chosen few?
• View the world as black or white?
• Judge a person’s ideas based on position, age, gender, or race?
• Create red tape or a bureaucratic jungle that limits feedback?
• Feel threatened by smart or successful people?
• Bully people to sway them to your opinion?
• Subscribe primarily to information that confirms your existing beliefs?
• Feel that your position entitles you to be right all the time?
• Separate yourself from others by belonging to cliques?
• Think this list doesn’t apply to you?
If you cringed as you read these points, it’s time to open your mind to the world around you. If you still remain doubtful, consider the benefits that being open-minded affords.
Being Open-Minded Is a No-Brainer
Open your eyes. There are many shades of color other than black and white. Being open-minded inspires you to:
Expand your horizons. Challenge your thinking by embracing differing viewpoints rather than limiting debate to like-minded people.
Enhance your decision making. Evaluate your options from every angle rather than being predisposed to one way of looking at things.
Expand your relationships. Promote teamwork by being respectful of others’ differences rather than being judgmental and intolerant.
Challenge the status quo. Advance positive change by encouraging debate and buy-in rather than leading by command and control.
Build trust. Encourage fair and objective decisions rather than subjecting the process to your personal bias.
Enrich your personal growth. Remain open-minded to personal feedback rather than repeating mistakes because you failed to learn from them.
Find the optimum solution. Generate several good possibilities to choose from rather than settling for the first right answer.
Obtain the truth. Search for the truth by listening to opposing arguments and letting others challenge your views and opinions.
Keep an Open Mind
Some people are so closed-minded that their behavior is not only ugly, it’s destructive. They bully and ridicule others, hoping to convert them to their way of thinking. The truth is, everyone is entitled to an opinion. No one, however, is entitled to force their opinion on others. Doing so is the surest way to end not only a conversation but a relationship as well. That doesn’t mean you have to compromise your principles, but it’s important to respect the right of others to believe as they see fit.
Open your eyes to the world around you. You just may learn something. This will make your decisions better and your relationships stronger, and will make you a more enlightened person. Being open-minded doesn’t demand a major investment of your time but rather, a fresh new way of thinking. It requires you to be a sponge — obtaining information from various sources, seeking input from people of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, and evaluating that input based on its merits rather than on whether it conforms to your way of thinking. Are you open-minded? If not, leave the door open to it.
Are You Open-Minded?
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.
Additional Reading:
Should Your Viewpoint Matter More Than Mine?
This Discussion Has No Room for Debate
You’re Entitled to My Opinion
Prejudice: “All” Is An Ugly Word
Try to Keep Things In Perspective
Protect Yourself From Bad Information
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Great timely post Frank!
It is apparent that people’s subjective opinions are at extreme war with each other. A civil political dialogue attempting to uncover reality seems to be nonexistent. I recently came across this quote the other day by Richard Rohr that encapsulates our human tendency. “Most people do not see things as they are because they see things as THEY are.”
Thanks so much for your compelling invitation to be opened minded.
Hi Mark
This post wasn’t supposed to make a political statement, but I can see how it applies. Being open-minded is helpful in many walks of life.
BTW, I love your quote, “Most people do not see things as they are because they see things as THEY are.” Thanks for taking the time to write
Best,
Frank
I don’t think completly open/closed minded applies to anybody. We go through phases/experiences in live and we learn from them or not
You’re right, Eric.
It is in everyone’s best interest to open our mind to the world around us. The problem is, we’re human and allow things get in the way. It’s important to be aware of these inhibitors and to try to change our ways. There are incredible benefits to being open-minded. Give it a try.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
I heartily agree Frank for many reasons. One is that we are more likely to tap into the power of weak links because we are more likely to connect with more diverse kinds of people, outside of our usual network/tribe when we maintain an open mind as we listen and converse.
And your ideas and book complement a new one called Friends of Friends which elaborates on this theme. As usual, I value your connective behavior tips that can spur us to act rather than react and thus more likely to speak to and bring out the better side in others… that way they are more likely to see and support our better side 🙂
You’re absolutely right Kare.
We’re more likely to connect with diverse kinds of people, outside our usual network/tribe when we maintain an open mind as we listen and converse.
We can also learn and grow by understanding people better and putting ourselves in their shoes. We limit ourselves when we shut out the world and close our eyes and ears to the world around us.
The world would be a better place if everyone took a little more time to listen and learn. As I say, “See their side of an argument before expecting them to see yours.”
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
PS Thanks for the book suggestion. As soon as I finish reading “Nudge” I’ll pick up Friends of Friends 🙂